WHEN THE IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

Has there ever been something you swore you could never, ever do without – and then one day it’s forced on you – and you end up the better for it?

It turns out for me, that one thing is owning a car.

I’ve had a car since I got my driver’s licence decades ago, and the idea of not having one, of being dependent on public transport, of not having that freedom, I mean, how can anyone possibly survive?

Then 18 months ago the car was written off in a crash and – well, I became carless. But I was insured and I would get a replacement, so I wasn’t particularly worried. Then over the next few weeks, as I waited for the insurance company to sort it all out, I discovered I was actually getting by quite well without a vehicle. I was actually saving money. So much so I began to think... maybe I really can get by without a car.

After all, I have a job where I bus to work, and I live near a couple of useful bus routes. I could walk to the supermarket or do an on-line shop, could walk to church, and friends had offered to help me out if needed. My kids didn’t need me running them around anymore. And one of the biggest things – it was forcing me to exercise. I couldn’t just leap in the car and go down the road to the shops. I walked. Getting fit and saving money!

By the time the insurance money arrived, I’d decided: I wasn’t getting a new car. I was going to walk and use the bus.

That was eighteen months ago when it was all sweet and light and new. How has it actually panned out? Actually, it has panned out really well.

Look at all the pros. I don’t have to clean a car anymore (so happy about that!) I save money. I’m fitter - I don’t get nearly as puffed walking up hills. I’d like to say I’ve lost a few pounds but actually, I haven’t. (I’m not sure what that’s all about when you go from pathetic amounts of exercise to several hours a week, and most of it brisk cos I’m running late!) Socially – well, a social butterfly would be in trouble. Most of my “things” are close or bussable or friends offer to pick me up but I figure, going out less is a good thing. More time to write.

In spite of the odd inconvenience, it feels strangely free not having a car. I don’t lose keys. I don’t have to remember to lock it up. Don’t have to worry about it getting damaged or stolen. Don’t have to queue for petrol when I’m badly organized and running late. Don’t have to drive around looking for a park. Don’t have to fork out money for registration and insurance and repairs and petrol. Bliss.

But, yes, there are inconveniences. Having to take the bunny to the vet on the bus was interesting. Bad weather and no coat or umbrella is a pain. Taking the wrong bus and taking twice as long to get home was frustrating. But for the most part – it’s all good.

A few years back, it would have been horrible without a car, and I’ve no doubt at some point – if I changed jobs, for example – I might need one again. But in this case, it has worked out and I’m glad I didn’t just automatically think “got to get new car” but actually gave it a try.

So what about you? Have you ever given up something you swore you would never get by without, and have survived to tell the tale? Or – yikes! – given up something and regretted it?

Joanne Hill got her driver’s licence as soon as she was legally old enough but daren’t admit how many hours she’s wasted over the years looking for lost car keys. Her upcoming sweet romance Return to Frazier Bay will be released early April.

You can find her on Twitter at @joanneauthor or visit the website at www.joannehill.com